HOUSTON AREA EVENTS AND ROAD TRIPS FEBRUARY 2018February 2 nd -13 th - Mardi Gras Galveston. If you’re looking for a unique Mardi Gras experience in 2018, grab some beads and hit the beach! Mardi Gras! Galveston, the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, offers the unique chance to experience sand between your toes and gorgeous beach sunsets while taking in the revelry and lavish parades known to dominate Galveston Island during carnival season. The island’s 107 th Mardi Gras celebration, is expected to draw more than 350,000 attendees for 30+ concerts, parades, balcony parties and several elegant balls. At Mardi Gras! Galveston, the extravagance found in Texas’s largest Mardi Gras celebration starts with the beads! More than 3 million beads will be thrown at Mardi Gras! Galveston and that’s just the beginning of the elaborate parades, headliner performances, family events, feasting and other festivities that come with hosting Mardi Gras island style. For more information, visit www.galveston.com/mardigras/. February 7 th - The Houston RV Show is now the largest in Texas with over 600 units on display. This includes Motorhomes, Travel Trailers, Tent Campers, Fifth Wheels and Van Conversions. Recreational Vehicle related vendors representing campgrounds, resorts, parks and RV supplies. The Annual Houston RV Show will be in the NRG Center Halls C, D, E. Parking rate in the past was $12 per space, cash only. For more information, visit www.guestservices@nrgpark.com. February 8 th - Texas Monthly 2 nd Annual Whiskey Affair. A premium whiskey tasting event that will highlight up to 50 brown spirits and celebrate the whiskey lifestyle with delicious chef pairings, couture cocktails and live music provided by Doc Watkins, owner of Jazz, TX. Texas and international brown spirits makers will serve straight pours and cocktails from their portfolios with spirit seminars led by Texas Monthly Editor in Chief Tim Taliaferro and Wine & Spirits contributor Jessica Dupuy. The event will also feature up to ten award-winning chefs and mixologists serving dishes to compliment a wide array of whiskies. For more information, visit www.texasmonthly.com. February 9 th -11 th - Texas Home and Garden Spring Show. Houstons’ Premier “One Stop Shopping Opportunity” for all your home & garden needs. From Windows and Doors to Ceilings and Floors over 700 experts, products, services and ideas all under one roof. Adult Tickets are $10, Seniors and Military $8 and children 14 and under free. For more information, visit www.guestservices@nrgpark.com. February 9 th -11 th - Tristar Collectors Show. Your trusted source for sports autographs, trading cards and collectibles. Tristar will be held in NRG Arena, Hall C and D. For more information, visit www.guestservices@ nrgpark.com. February 17 th - 2018 Lunar New Year Festival. This year’s Lunar New Year Festival is from 10 AM-4 PM at the Chinese Community Center, 9800 Town Park Dr., Houston 77036. Free Admission & Parking. For more information, visit www.ccchouston.org. February 22 nd - 24 th - Houston Livestock Rodeo Cookoff. More than 250 teams, led by barbecue aficionados, compete in the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest. While most team tents are invitationonly, visitors can enjoy several public venues, including The Garden, Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon and the Chuck Wagon. Plus, the carnival is open, for wild rides and fun games. The Miller Lite Stage at The Garden features some of the best up-and-coming and established artists in Texas country. The Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon also features live and DJ music and has an outside patio for visitors to enjoy. Inside the saloon is the Chuck Wagon, where visitors can pick up their complimentary sliced beef sandwich with chips and beans. February 24 th - Rodeo Run. Run for a cause! Proceeds from the event benefit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Educational Fund. The 2017 Rodeo Run had more than 9,500 participants in the wheelchair race, 10K race and 5K fun run/walk. Since 1988, nearly $5 million has been contributed to the Rodeo. For more information, visit www.rodeohouston.com. February 24 th - Downtown Rodeo Parade at 10 AM. Every February since 1938, the nation’s fourth largest city is transformed from a bustling metropolis to a down-home celebration of Western heritage. Decorative floats intermingle with thousands of men and women on horseback to fill the streets with hoof beats and marching bands. Enthusiastic Houstonians join out-of-town spectators to line the streets and sidewalks to be involved in one of Houston’s most popular celebrations! For parade route, street closures and parking information, visit www.rodeohouston.com. February 24 th - Love tribute bands? Love food trucks? Join us for the 2 nd Annual Texas Classic Rockin’ Food Truck Rally presented by Shiner Beers. Our goal is to not only be the biggest food truck rally but one of the most amazing rockin’ roll shows the Gulf Coast has ever experienced! Come out early to get your grub on with ALL YOU CAN EAT samples from all of your favorite food trucks from Noon to 3 PM, while supplies last. Vote for your favorite gourmet food truck as they compete for the Grand Champion of the Texas Classic Rockin Food Truck Rally title and all the bragging rights that come with it. Come prepared to rock! There will be an amazing lineup of bands. The event will be at the Galveston County Fairgrounds. General Admission is $20, kids under 12 are free. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for the show and no coolers are allowed. For more information, visit www.texasfoodtruckrally.com. February 25 th - It’s official! The Houston Kosher Chili Cook-off is now the largest kosher food event in Houston. The 8 th Houston Kosher Chili Cook-off will be held at the ERJCC. There will be MORE cooking teams, MORE food, MORE money raised for local charities and MORE fun! At 12 PM, the public is invited to sample chili, mingle, enjoy children’s activities, listen to music and simply have a great time in an outdoor, festival atmosphere. The event will conclude with the selection of the winning chili by celebrity judges. So, don’t miss this “hot” event! For more information, visit www.houstonkosherchilicookoff.com. Governor’s Place | February2018 13